Safer and easier storage for hydrogen

This startup hopes to transport hydrogen as a room-temperature liquid

Spotted: According to PwC, there are five key remaining barriers to realising clean hydrogen’s full potential as a carbon-free energy source, one being inadequate infrastructure. Changing this will require a strong network of distributors, refuelling stations, and storage systems. Canadian startup Ayrton Energy believes it has a solution that can help to achieve this.

The company is using a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) system, where hydrogen is attached to stable carrier molecules to make it easier to transport and store. This technology isn’t new, but historically, it has required toxic chemicals, as well as high heat or pressure to release the hydrogen on the other side. Ayrton, on the other hand, uses a non-toxic oil-based carrier fluid that can be kept at ambient temperatures and pressures.

Because the liquid can be safely stored and moved at room temperature, it’s safe to incorporate it directly into existing oilfield infrastructure, like pipes and tanks, without requiring energy-intensive, high-pressure containers. As well as making the transition to hydrogen fuel easier, Ayrton’s LOHC technology is also much more affordable than existing alternatives.

Using equipment similar to electrolysers, the company can easily release high-purity hydrogen from the carrier. According to Ayrton, its LOHC can transport double the volume of hydrogen per litre compared with compressed hydrogen systems. Plus, hydrogen can be stored long term in this way, without energy losses.

The company is in the middle of a pilot programme with ATCO Gas, the largest natural gas utility in Alberta, Canada. This partnership is allowing Ayrton to scale its production of hydrogen and explore the potential use of hydrogen fuel cells and other technologies.

Recently, Ayrton secured $6.8 million in seed funding led by Clean Energy Ventures and BDC Capital, which is the Business Development Bank of Canada. With the new funding, the company plans to scale its tech, grow the team, and expands operations into the US.

Written By: Matilda Cox